For a proper definition, a plumber is a person who is trained to fix or replace water pipes, drains, and sewer systems. Plumbing professionals are called upon to install new fixtures such as faucets and toilets, replace worn or broken fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs and showers, and repair leaks. Plumbers may also be called upon to repair leaking pipes. This job requires a lot of patience, attention to detail, and experience.
To give you an overview of this plumber job, we wil review each aspect of the followings: salary, career path, training, work environments, etc.
1. Salary – How much does a plumber make?
A plumber earns an average salary of $17.85 per hour or $43,700 annually in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is less than the national average for all occupations of $40,200 per year and more than one-third lower than the average for all occupations in the country. However, plumbers who specialize in plumbing fixtures and fittings earn more than those who specialize in plumbing systems.
2. Career Path
A plumber can be employed by a private company, a government agency or a utility company such as an electric company or gas company. In addition to employment with these companies, there are many other ways that a plumber can find employment. For example, you can work as an independent contractor fixing and maintaining plumbing systems on residential and commercial buildings. You can also work as a plumber at restaurants and hotels doing routine maintenance on plumbing systems . Many plumbers also work as pipe layers installing sewer and water pipes.
3. Training
There are many different schools and programs that offer plumbing training, from vocational schools to community colleges to online learning programs. All of these different options prepare students for the different entry-level plumbing jobs available in the U.S. Plumbing training can range from 3 months to a year, depending on the type of school and training program you decide to go through.
Many of these programs are not accredited, meaning they do not provide training for industry standards. In order to receive accreditation, plumbing training schools must undergo periodic reviews to ensure that they meet certain standards and provide students with the same quality of education that can be found in a traditional classroom setting. Some accredited programs are approved by organizations such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Eradication (IICEE), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) or the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB).
4. Work Environments
A plumber’s work environment can vary greatly depending on the type of plumbing company or work environment you choose. For example, if you work for a private plumbing company, your job will most likely be in a commercial setting. On the other hand, if you work for a utility company such as an electric company or gas company, your job may be in an office environment.
Most plumbing companies and utilities offer workers medical and retirement benefits and opportunities to save for future goals. As an employee of a private plumbing company, you will have more control over your schedule and working hours. In addition to the benefits that come with working for a private plumbing company, many public utility companies offer flexible schedules and paid time off.
5. Skills Needed By A Plumber
Plumbers must have excellent communication skills because they must communicate with customers in order to complete their jobs correctly. They must also have excellent problem-solving skills so they can figure out how to fix any issues that arise when they encounter problems while working on projects such as fixing leaking pipes or replacing toilets or sinks . They must be able to read blueprints carefully so they know exactly what needs to be done when they are repairing a particular system of pipes or fixtures such as the pipes in the walls of a building . Finally, plumbers must have excellent manual dexterity since this is how they perform certain tasks like replacing washers on valves by hand .
6. How long does it take to become a plumber?
The first step in becoming a plumber is to get an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree . This will allow you to take classes at your local community college and receive hands-on training. The average time it takes for someone to complete a plumbing training program is 3 months, but it can range anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on the type of school and training program you decide to go through.
Once you have completed your training, you can then begin working as an apprentice plumber. Depending on the company that hired you, this can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, after which time you will receive a journeyman plumber certificate .
After completing apprenticeship, many new plumbers work at their own home improvement businesses for several years before they move up into their own plumbing company or become employed by a utility company.
In conclusion , becoming a plumber can be an extremely rewarding career choice because it offers people the opportunity to work in a wide range of different environments and situations.
